PrimeRXMedicine
Sildenafil vs vardenafil vs tadalafil: how long do they work?
Compare typical onset and duration for sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil with an interactive timeline and a side-by-side guide.
Sildenafil Viagra, Malegra
Vardenafil Levitra, Vilitra
Tadalafil Cialis, Vidalista
Starting to workWorking window
Sildenafil
Vardenafil
Tadalafil
Side-by-side comparison
| Sildenafil | Vardenafil | Tadalafil | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starts working | 30 to 60 minutes | 25 to 60 minutes | 30 minutes to 2 hours |
| How long it lasts | About 4 to 5 hours | About 4 to 5 hours | Up to 36 hours |
| Half-life | About 4 hours | About 4 to 5 hours | About 17.5 hours |
| Effect of food | A heavy, fatty meal can delay it by about an hour | A heavy, fatty meal can delay it and weaken the effect | Food makes little difference |
| Daily low-dose option | No | No | Yes, as prescribed by a doctor |
| How often | Only as prescribed; dose and frequency depend on your health and other medicines | Only as prescribed; dose and frequency depend on your health and other medicines | Only as prescribed; dose and frequency depend on your health and other medicines |
| Common brands | Viagra, Malegra, Fildena, Cenforce | Levitra, Staxyn, Vilitra | Cialis, Vidalista, Tadalista |
All three need sexual arousal to work, and none is safe with nitrates
Never take any of these medicines with nitrates (such as nitroglycerin for chest pain) or “poppers”, as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Don’t take two of them together, and get medical help for an erection lasting more than 4 hours.
Timings are typical ranges from clinical data and vary from person to person. This guide is for general information only. Your doctor will decide which medicine and dose suit you.
About this tool
This timeline illustrates approximate ranges, not an individual response or a dosing schedule. A longer window does not mean a continuous erection.